DaTruthRacing

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Looking back at "Road to the Derby" Kickoff Day

James Graham earned every penny for his ride on French Beret in the Colonel Bradley. It is difficult to rally between horses, but Graham made sure French Beret was up to the task and had his nose down at the right time.

Just Jenda's victory in the Tiffany Lass was professional. Her running style and breeding suggest that she will have no problem handling added distance.

Friesan Fire was very impressive in winning the Lecomte. His final time was only .48 seconds faster than Just Jenda's time in the Tiffany Lass, but the final quarter in the Lecomte was run in 24.14 seconds compared to 25.33 for the Tiffany Lass, a difference of 1.19 seconds. Although the Louisiana Handicap was run a 1/16th farther and down the full length of the stretch, some valid comparisons can be made using the fourth quarter-mile fraction of that race, which was 25.05.

With Friesan Fire now on the Louisiana Derby trail, Old Fashioned will head to Oaklawn for the Southwest Stakes. Old Fashioned is more highly-touted at this point, but Friesan Fire may yet pass his stablemate in reputation and accomplishments. Friesan Fire's breeding screams distance. He is by A.P. Indy, and out of a mare who was a Group 1 winner at a mile in Australia. His granddam was the champion 2yo in Australia.

Fair Grounds Selections for Saturday, January 10th

Col. Bradley (5th): Classic Campaign.

Louisiana Hcp. (6th): Tend.

Leggio (7th): She's Indy Money.

Tiffany Lass (8th): Just Jenda.

Lecomte (9th): Friesan Fire.